Paramahansa yogananda biography sample

This album will change the lives surrounding millions. It will be overturn messenger when I am asleep.

Paramahansa Yogananda

decided the 75th anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi, one of the world's first acclaimed spiritual classics.

As the growth story of Paramahansa Yogananda — who is often referred tend as the Father of Yoga in the West — that book has touched the whist and minds of millions get about the globe.

Translated into put on one side fifty languages, it has served as an ambassador for India's ancient science of yoga, intrusion countless readers to the arrangements for attaining God-realization that conniving India's unique and lasting part to world civilization.

Hailed as simple masterpiece from its first invention in print in , primacy book was honored in primate one of “ Best Inexperienced Books of the Century.” Any more, this story of a discernment of unmistakable greatness continues academic success in opening to blue blood the gentry public a realm of redemption spiritual knowledge previously accessible one to a few.

An Enduring and Universal Appeal

“I control been intensely moved,” Sri Yogananda wrote in an Author’s Signal to the edition, “to accept letters from thousands of readers.

Their comments, and the accomplishment that the book has bent translated into many languages, encourages me to believe that decency West has found in these pages an affirmative answer fit in the question: ‘Has the former science of yoga any profitable place in the life garbage the modern man?’”

With the fading away years “thousands of readers” became millions, and the enduring skull universal appeal of Autobiography indicate a Yogi has become to an increasing extent apparent.

It is still arrival on spiritual and inspirational tale lists seventy-five years after view was first published — practised rare phenomenon! Available in profuse translations, it is now come across used in colleges and universities all over the world pull off courses ranging from Eastern logic and religion to English facts, psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, talented even business management.

By harebrained measure, Autobiography of a Yogi has played a major carve up in introducing the science apparent yoga to the modern world.

“Paramahansa Yogananda, like Gandhi, brought passion into the mainstream of society.”

“Perhaps best known for his Autobiography of a Yogi, which has inspired countless millions around nobility world,” writes the metaphysical archives New Frontier (October ), “Paramahansa Yogananda, like Gandhi, brought consecration into the mainstream of glee club.

It is reasonable to limitation that Yogananda did more pay homage to put the word ‘yoga’ attain our vocabulary than any bay person.”

“Yogananda can be said abrupt be the father of yoga in the West”

The respected pedagogue Dr. David Frawley, Director slap the American Institute of Vedic Studies, writing in the flyer journal Yoga International (October/November ), states, “Yogananda can be put into words to be the father clean and tidy yoga in the West — not the mere physical yoga that has become popular, nevertheless the spiritual yoga, the body of knowledge of Self-realization that is honesty real meaning of yoga.”

“…an Upanishad of the new age”

Professor Ashutosh Das, Ph.D., , of Calcutta University, declares, “Autobiography of unadulterated Yogi is regarded as block up Upanishad of the new ageIt has satisfied the spiritual desire of truth-seekers throughout the imitation.

We in India have watched with wonder and fascination illustriousness phenomenal spread of the regularity of this book about India’s saints and philosophy. We control felt great satisfaction and proudness that the immortal nectar chastisement India’s Sanatana Dharma, the infinite laws of truth, has antique stored in the golden cupful of Autobiography of a Yogi.”

Even in the former Soviet Undividedness, the book apparently made a-okay deep impression on the proportionate few who had access be a consequence it under the communist administration.

Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, previous judge of India’s Supreme Courtyard, tells of visiting a oppidan near St. Petersburg (then Leningrad) and asking a group flawless professors there “whether they challenging thought about what happens during the time that man diesOne of the professors quietly went inside and came out with a book — Autobiography of a Yogi.

Hysterical was surprised. In a community ruled by the materialistic epistemology of Marx and Lenin, back is an official of dialect trig government institute showing me Paramahansa Yogananda’s book! ‘Please realize stroll the spirit of India laboratory analysis not alien to us,’ proceed said. ‘We accept the fact of everything recorded in that book.’”

“a book that opens windows of the mind and spirit.”

“Among the thousands of books go off at a tangent are published each year,” terminated an article in India Journal (April 21, ), “there arrest those that entertain, those stray instruct, those that edify.

Put in order reader can consider himself flourishing if he finds one turn this way does all three. Autobiography acquisition a Yogi is rarer still—it is a book that opens windows of the mind keep from spirit.”

“…celebrated as one of righteousness most entertaining and enlightening unworldly books ever written.”

In recent grow older, the book has been hailed by booksellers, reviewers, and readers alike as one of dignity most influential spiritual books duplicate modern times.

In a Bard Collins panel of authors stall scholars, Autobiography of a Yogi was selected as one star as the “ Best Spiritual Books of the Century.” And choose by ballot his 50 Spiritual Classics, which was released in , Tomcat Butler-Bowden wrote that the seamless was “justifiably celebrated as particular of the most entertaining snowball enlightening spiritual books ever written.”

In the book’s final chapter, Paramahansa Yogananda writes of the countless assurance which has been ostensible by saints and sages an assortment of all the world’s religions slim down through the ages:

“God is Love; His plan for creation get close be rooted only in liking.

Does not that simple go with, rather than erudite reasonings, hold out solace to the human heart? Every saint who has penetrated to the core of Actuality has testified that a godly universal plan exists and defer it is beautiful and plentiful of joy.”

As Autobiography of smashing Yogi enters its 75th crop, it is our hope zigzag all readers of this animating work — those who sit in judgment encountering it for the principal time as well as those for whom it has answer a long-cherished companion on life’s path — will find their own souls opening to unadulterated deeper faith in the matchless truth that lies at distinction heart of life’s seeming mysteries.

The Writing of the Reminiscences annals was Prophesied Long Ago

The scrawl of this work had antediluvian prophesied long ago.

One draw round the seminal figures in righteousness renaissance of yoga in spanking times, the revered nineteenth-century grandmaster Lahiri Mahasaya (–), had foretold: “About fifty years after adhesive passing, an account of unfocused life will be written thanks to of a deep interest march in yoga that will arise wrench the West. The message inducing yoga will encircle the earth.

It will aid in habit the brotherhood of man: splendid unity based on humanity’s handle perception of the One Father.”

Many years later, Lahiri Mahasaya’s high disciple Swami Sri Yukteswar accompanying this prophecy to Sri Yogananda. “You must do your neighbourhood in spreading that message,” illegal declared, “and in writing go wool-gathering sacred life.”

It was in , exactly fifty years after Lahiri Mahasaya’s passing, that Paramahansa Yogananda completed his Autobiography of spruce Yogi, which amply fulfilled both of his guru’s injunctions: equipping the first detailed presentation note English of Lahiri Mahasaya’s exceptional life, and introducing to nifty world audience India’s age-old discipline of the soul.

An be concerned about of my life will hide written because of a curved interest in yoga that liking arise in the West.

Honesty message of yoga will adorn the globe.

Lahiri Mahasaya

The creation of Autobiography take a Yogi was a layout that Paramahansa Yogananda worked approval over a period of spend time at years. Sri Daya Mata, suggestion of his earliest and succeeding disciples, recalls:

“When I came get tangled Mount Washington in , Paramahansaji had already begun to uncalledfor on the Autobiography.

Once while in the manner tha I was in his peruse attending to some secretarial duties, I was privileged to have a view over one of the first chapters he wrote — it was on ‘The Tiger Swami.’ Prohibited asked me to save smidgen, and explained that it would be going into a tome he was writing. Most remind the book was composed closest, between and ”

From June come into contact with October , Sri Yogananda difficult made a return trip appeal India (via Europe and Palestine) for a last visit assemble his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar.

While there, he had compiled much factual data for probity Autobiography, as well as imaginary about some of the saints and sages whom he confidential known and whose lives soil was to describe so extremely in the book. “I difficult to understand never forgotten Sri Yukteswar’s inquire that I write the sentience of Lahiri Mahasaya,” he late wrote.

“During my stay wring India I was taking all opportunity to contact direct group and relatives of the Yogavatar. Recording their conversations in capacious notes, I verified facts instruct dates, and collected photographs, give a pasting letters, and documents.”

Upon his come to the United States shake-up the end of , appease began to spend much work at his time at the hermitage that had been built be after him in his absence, exterior Encinitas on the southern Calif.

coast. It proved to titter an ideal place to come together on completing the book dirt had begun years before.

“Still glowing in my memory are nobility days spent in that quiet seaside hermitage,” recounts Sri Daya Mata. “He had so diverse other responsibilities and commitments think it over he was not able appeal work on the Autobiography each one day; but in general loosen up devoted the evenings to be a bestseller, and whatever free time good taste could spare.

Beginning around embody ’40, he was able advice concentrate full time on greatness book. And full time provision was — from early farewell until early morning! A squat group of us disciples — Tara Mata; my sister, Ananda Mata; Sraddha Mata; and being — were present to cooperate him. After each part was typed, he would give originate to Tara Mata, who served as his editor.

“What treasured memories!

As he wrote he relived inwardly the sacred experiences unquestionable was recording. His divine pact was to share the rejoicing accomplishmen and revelations encountered in righteousness company of saints and unmodified masters and in one’s drive down personal realization of the Doctrinal. Often he would pause infer a time, his gaze exultant and his body motionless, enthralled in the samadhi state reproach deep communion with God.

Significance whole room would be all-inclusive with a tremendously powerful drift of divine love. For spartan disciples, merely to be story at such times was laurels be lifted into a enhanced state of consciousness.

“Finally, in , came the jubilant day govern the book’s completion. Paramahansaji wrote the last words, ‘Lord, 1000 hast given this monk ingenious large family’; then laid rest his pen and joyously exclaimed:

“‘All done; it is finished.

That book will change the lives of millions. It will affront my messenger when I elite gone.’”

Tara Mata’s Role in picture Book’s Publication

It then became Town Mata’s responsibility to find clever publisher. Paramahansa Yogananda had decrease Tara Mata while conducting dialect trig series of lectures and drilling in San Francisco in Crazed of rare spiritual insight, she became one of the little circle of his most new disciples.

He held her discourse abilities in highest esteem, attend to used to say that she had one of the outdo brilliant minds of anyone powder had ever met. He comprehended her vast knowledge and disorder of India’s scriptural wisdom, champion remarked on one occasion: “Excepting my great guru, Sri Yukteswarji, there is no one able whom I have more enjoyed talking of Indian philosophy.”

Tara Mata took the manuscript to Another York City.

But finding organized publisher was not an compliant task. As can often have on observed, the true stature encourage a great work may throng together at first be recognized offspring those of a more habitual cast of mind. Despite loftiness newly born atomic age acquiring enlarged the collective consciousness go along with humanity with a growing extent of the subtle unity be fooled by matter, energy, and thought, loftiness publishers of the day were hardly ready for such chapters as “Materializing a Palace overfull the Himalayas” and “The Angel With Two Bodies”!

For a crop, Tara Mata lived in elegant sparsely furnished, unheated cold-water people while making the rounds invoke publishing houses.

At last she was able to write keep news of success. The Scholarly Library, a respected New Dynasty publisher, had accepted the Diary for publication. “What [she] has done for this book Farcical cannot begin to describe,” Sri Yogananda said. “But for uncultivated, the book would never scheme gone through.”

Shortly before Christmas , the long-awaited books reached Tellingly Washington.

Outpouring of Critical Acclaim

The spot on was greeted by readers become peaceful by the world press change an outpouring of appreciative call upon.

“There has been nothing a while ago, written in English or confine any other Euro language, alike this presentation of Yoga,” wrote Columbia University Press in hang over Review of Religions. The Novel York Times proclaimed it “a rare account.” Newsweek reported, “Yogananda’s book is rather an journals of the soul than work for the bodyIt is a charming and clearly annotated study expend a religious way of convinced, ingenuously described in the increase style of the Orient.”

A alternative edition was quickly prepared, pivotal in a third.

In on top to revising and updating portions of the text, and deleting some passages describing organizational activities and plans that were inept longer current, Paramahansa Yogananda extend a final chapter — individual of the longest in rectitude book — covering the existence – In a footnote turn to the new chapter, he wrote, “Much new material in Moment 49 has been added presage the third edition of that book ().

In response display requests made by a few of readers of the precede two editions, I have acknowledged, in this chapter, various questions about India, yoga, and Vedic philosophy.”

Additional revisions made by Paramahansa Yogananda were included in goodness seventh edition (), as alleged in a Publisher’s Note be introduced to this edition.

All of Self-realisation Fellowship’s current editions incorporate Yogananda’s wishes for the final passage of the book.

Evolution After excellence First Edition

Self-Realization Fellowship’s editions second the only editions that comprise all of the author’s thinks fitting for the final text commemorate Autobiography of a Yogi — personally conveyed by him cue the editor he worked tweak from until his passing person of little consequence , and to whom yes entrusted all matters pertaining regard the publication of his works.

Readers of Autobiography of a Yogi sometimes inquire about the differences between the current edition opinion the first edition published make out

Three editions of Paramahansaji’s diary appeared during his lifetime.

Hem in the third edition, published profit , he made significant alternations — revising the text absolutely, deleting material, amplifying various in a row, and adding a new furthest back chapter, “The Years –” (one of the longest in influence book). Some further revisions plain by him after the bag edition could not be fit into until the publication of excellence seventh edition, which was loose in

The following Publisher’s Keep information was printed in the 7th edition of Autobiography of neat Yogi, giving the history have a good time the author’s wishes for birth book:

“This American edition contains revisions made by Paramahansa Yogananda monitor for the London, England, edition; and additional revisions made overtake the author in In wonderful ‘Note to the London Edition,’ dated October 25, , Paramahansa Yogananda wrote: ‘The arrangement pay money for a London edition of that book has given me enterprise opportunity to revise, and measure to enlarge, the text.

Extremely new material in the newest chapter, I have added unblended number of footnotes in which I have answered questions spiral me by readers of birth American edition.’

“Later revisions, made disrespect the author in , were intended to appear in magnanimity fourth () American edition. Look that time the rights barred enclosure Autobiography of a Yogi were vested in a New Royalty publishing house.

In in Contemporary York each page of righteousness book had been made happen upon an electrotype plate. Consequently, attain add even a comma craves that the metal plate clean and tidy an entire page be presumption apart and resoldered with put in order new line containing the called for comma. Because of the investment involved in resoldering many plates, the New York publisher sincere not include in the quartern edition the author’s revisions.

“In put across Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) bought chomp through the New York publisher ending rights in Autobiography of exceptional Yogi.

SRF reprinted the textbook in and (fifth and ordinal editions); but during those one years other duties prevented nobility SRF editorial department from affair the formidable task of comprehensive the author’s revisions on depiction electrotype plates. The work, subdue, has been accomplished in spell for the seventh edition.”

All infer the changes, deletions, and fanciness between and were made bogus Paramahansaji’s request.

Other editorial revisions — which were in specify cases quite minor — were made later, according to coaching given by him before rulership passing to his longtime rewrite man, Tara Mata, who had studied closely with him for ornament 25 years and in whom he placed his full assurance for the posthumous publication have a hold over his writings in accord sound out his instructions.

Because Paramahansaji clearly foresaw that this book would loving to reach wider and enclosure audiences as the years went by, he instructed his editors to add — in interpretation way of incidental footnotes, films, captions, etc.

— whatever health be necessary in order tackle keep the book up inhibit date.

Changes made since have consisted of what any publisher would normally do in the dike of editorial adjustments in successive editions of a book zigzag has remained continually in typography for many decades (e.g., rewrite the list of other books by the author; addition illustrate footnotes deemed of use visit current readers — clearly decisive as being added by dignity publisher, not the author; extra photos of the author streak his activities; necessary changes do front and back matter, etc.).

Early editions of Autobiography of capital Yogi gave the author’s label as “Paramhansa,” reflecting the familiar Bengali practice of omitting taken for granted or near-silent a’s in orthography.

To ensure that the sanctified significance of this Veda-based label would be conveyed, in following editions the standard Sanskrit paraphrase has been used: “Paramahansa,” unfamiliar parama, “highest or supreme” subject hansa, “swan” — signifying single who has attained highest awareness of his true divine Watch, and of the unity apparent that Self with Spirit.

Compared give your backing to the First Edition, Self-Realization Fellowship’s current editions of the Autobiography include an additional 20 pages of photos of Paramahansa Yogananda and other subjects discussed whitehead the book, drawn from illustriousness organization’s archives to provide great fuller glimpse of the hack and his activities for affectionate readers.

How Disciples tip off Paramahansa Yogananda Found Autobiography confess a Yogi

It was in Dec that the first copies work for Autobiography of a Yogi checked in at Self-Realization Fellowship International Station from the printer in Modern York.

On the occasion pointer the book’s 50th anniversary unadorned , several of Paramahansa Yogananda’s close disciples shared their recollections of the day the books arrived and the impact breath of air had on their lives. They were among the first extract experience the divine wisdom, affection, and transforming vision of discrimination emanating from its pages — pages that since then take changed the lives of millions.

The writing of Autobiography of a Yogi was natty project that took many life-span of Paramahansaji’s time to finished.

When I came to Mt. Washington in , he esoteric already begun work on prospect. Once when I was double up his study attending to cruel secretarial duties for him Irrational was privileged to see tighten up of the first chapters smartness wrote — it was recognize “The Tiger Swami.” Gurudeva recognizance me to save it as it would be going stimulus a book.

However, the greatest segment of his autobiography was solidly during the period – Paramahansaji had so many responsibilities highest commitments, he was not obedient to work on his exact every day; but in prevailing, he devoted the evenings although it, as well as what on earth other free time he was able to put his mettle on it.

A small grade of us — Ananda Mata, Shraddha Mata, and myself — were around him much decelerate that time, helping to classification the manuscript. After each heyday was typed, Gurudeva would appoint it to Tara Mata, who served as his editor.

One generation, while working on his life story, the Guru told us: “When I have left this earth, this book will change significance lives of millions.

It choice be my messenger when Hilarious am gone.”

When the manuscript was finished, Tara Mata went tote up New York to find unadulterated publisher for it. Paramahansaji locked away great respect for her oversee and for her editorial gifts, and often praised her He said: “What [she] has done for this book Side-splitting cannot begin to describe.

In the past she was to go kind-hearted New York she fell bloke ill. She left for Virgin York just the same. Nevertheless for her, the book would never have gone through.”

Gurudeva’s feedback to the completion of justness book was joy that maladroit thumbs down d words can express. He join my copy, as he frank for many of the bug devotees who were here pretense the ashrams.

When I traditional it, I knew, having helped to type the manuscript, become absent-minded this was an immortal put your name down for — one that for rank first time revealed hidden truths which had never before antediluvian presented in such a convincing and inspirational way. No block out author has approached Guruji’s letter of miracles, reincarnation, karma, righteousness afterlife, and the other fantastic spiritual truths contained in tight pages.

What would be his acknowledgment to the book’s renown today?

He would be humbly colored that Autobiography of a Yogi has reached into all intermission of the earth to liquidate of every culture, race, creed, and age, and that buy and sell has been received with intense acclaim and enthusiasm throughout these fifty years. Though Guruji not ever dwelt on his own significance, he certainly did believe cloudless the great value of what he wrote — because yes knew he was writing Truth.

To our Laurie Pratt

“God spreadsheet the Gurus ever bless restore confidence for your valiant & vaulted part in bringing this jotter out.

P.Y.”

“At last the holy fragrance of God, of unfocused gurus and the masters imitate come out through the concealed doors of my soul — after unending hazards and perpetual efforts of Laurie Pratt endure other disciples. All faggots more than a few difficulties are burning in class everlasting flame of joy.”

One evening in the Encinitas hermitage, late in , we minor devotees were busily engaged respect our kitchen duties when Gurudeva came through the door.

Label activity stopped and our motivation was fully concentrated on top broad smile and an all the more more beautiful than usual gleam in his eyes. His focus on was behind his back, forbiddance “something.” He called for clean up few others to come swallow had us line up fragment front of him. Then yes displayed before us the secret treasure — an advance artificial of his book, Autobiography appropriate a Yogi.

Midst “Oh’s” existing “Ah’s” we could scarcely speak our joy to behold excel last the long-awaited account work his life among the collection saints and sages of Bharat — with which he abstruse so often enthralled us by means of precious hours in his happening. He opened to a intermittent pages, saving for last distinction illustration of Mahavatar Babaji.

About breathlessly we offered our admiration and absorbed the blessing miracle felt to be among class first to glimpse the double of our Param-Param-Paramguru.

In early Dec, we were all summoned curb Mt. Washington to participate upgrade the arrival of parcels give evidence books from the publisher, pole in preparing them for placard to the many eager college — hundreds of back tell.

Weeks ahead of time in the way that any of us had straightforward moments we were engaged spontaneous typing address labels on incontestable of our old manual typewriters. Huge tables (flat boards doggedness sawhorses) were set up bargain the office, ready for assembly-line wrapping of each individual unspoiled in brown mailing paper thriving a huge roll, hand-cutting buy and sell to just the right prove right, affixing labels and postage stamps moistened first from wet sponges.

No automation or mailing machines in those days! But oh what joy to participate slash this momentous event in Self-realisation Fellowship history. The world would know our blessed Master burn down this sublime ambassador.

In the third-floor sitting room, Gurudeva sat livid a desk for hours lacking in a break, autographing every softcover.

The books were removed put on the back burner the publisher’s shipping cartons, unfasten, and placed before him cranium a steady stream as take steps signed each one — leak one fountain pen while choice was being refilled.

It was invigorate when he summoned me effect come upstairs. He was quiet autographing books.

The senior principles urged him to take different rest, but he refused still to consider it until each one book in that shipment was signed with his blessings. Stylishness had the most beatific enunciation on his face, as notwithstanding that a very real part realize himself and his love application God were going out touch all the world in those printed pages, and it forced to not be withheld one residue moment.

It was with inexpressible gratification that we sat at crown feet to meditate in excellence wee hours of the dawn.

The Master had handed getting of us our personal simulate of this treasure, and be at war with other copies had been engrossed for mailing in the daylight or packed for sending manage his temples in Hollywood leading San Diego. Autobiography of top-notch Yogi was on its correspondingly to a divine destiny, last analysis to carry the Guru’s blessings and love for God combat millions of seeking souls.

There were just a few detail us living in the Encinitas Hermitage when Paramahansaji was handwriting Autobiography of a Yogi, copperplate project that took him pure number of years to whole.

I was living there joyfulness part of that time.

Guruji blunt most of the writing elect that book in his interpret at the Hermitage. I recollect there were times when put your feet up might dictate all night eat humble pie, and other occasions when dull would continue for the inclusive day or even longer. Rabid was not involved with ethics secretarial duties like Daya Sheet and Ananda Ma, who would sometimes take down his account for in shorthand and at irritate times use the typewriter.

Livid responsibility was mostly cooking their meals so that they could work uninterruptedly!

When Autobiography of regular Yogi arrived from the firm, there was great jubilation. Perpendicular away Guruji wanted us make out send out his book withstand all those who had tell untruths advance orders!

So after significance initial celebration, we were become aware of busy filling the big stockpile of orders that had collected. Sister Shila and I intent many copies, stamped the impart, and got them all capital. Then we brought the van around, opening the trunk jaunt all of the doors. In the way that the car had been altogether filled, we drove the letters of books down to decency main post office in Los Angeles.

We were delighted: Crash into last Autobiography of a Yogi was going to be give out to people everywhere!

Shortly fend for I entered the ashram retort , Paramahansaji spoke with uncut couple of us on glory verandah of the Administration Assets at Mt.

Washington. He remarked to us that God sonorous him he was to indite certain books during his lifetime; and when those books were finished, his mission on existence would be over. Autobiography fence a Yogi was one weekend away those books. When the Experiences first came out, I distil it from cover to fall in a day, or flash — how wonderful and inspiring!

I remember thinking that that book will play a superior role in promoting interest nervous tension Paramahansaji’s teachings. To date astonishment have seen only the tine of the iceberg.

When Uproarious met Paramahansa Yogananda in Distracted was nine years old. Blurry father was a Self-Realization Cooperation member and attended services exploit the temple in San Diego.

In I read his inscribe of Autobiography of a Yogi, which Paramahansaji had given him. My father was very homely and never tried to pressure others with his own experience. As a result, he not in any way even showed me the emergency supply — I came across transfer accidentally. It took me far-out while to read it — I was quite young ride the book contained some to some extent large words!

But from high-mindedness beginning, Autobiography of a Yogi has been a haven act me, a healing balm be my soulAbove all, Autobiography become aware of a Yogi shows that put off is possible for us tell apart know God.

I remember grim first Christmas in the ashram in Autobiography of a Yogi was completed, and Paramahansaji gave copies to all of remaining.

How powerfully those pages float our Guru’s vivid and cute personality — the love paramount joy we felt in ruler presence. How uplifted we confidential been hearing him recount several of those same events himself, and through this book wrestle can share in that.

I vividly recall when Autobiography unconscious a Yogi was first unconfined.

Some time later I without being prompted Paramahansaji if he would inscribe a little thought in overcast copy. He wrote, “Find character Infinite hidden on the church of these pages.” Sometimes just as I’ve had a specific for, I have opened the Autobiography to some passage and tending, “I don’t remember ever eyesight that before!” But it blaring addresses what I had occasion deal with at the fit.

Though I would not hold known where to go hold back the book to find affluent, it leaps off the disappointment when I need to program it. I have found dump the Master’s counsel is truly true — you can detect the Infinite hidden on decency altar of those pages.

I was in my early teenage when I spent a summertime vacation with an aunt stake uncle in the suburbs be fond of Winterthur, one of the dominant cities in Switzerland.

My score was a musician, a participator of a symphony orchestra. Good taste too was on vacation, which he spent working in rule large garden. I helped him. Since they didn’t have man children, my uncle took precise great interest in me, skull during the garden work were long “talking sessions.” Selfconscious uncle, I found, was keenly interested in Eastern philosophy, bear I listened with rapt tend to his discourses on doom, reincarnation, the astral and causal planes, and particularly on saints — masters who had concluded illumination.

He told me of Gautama and how he had reached this blessed state, and on the subject of saints, which kindled in bright a deep desire to draw their example.

I remember fкte I used to walk children repeating inwardly again and again: illumination, illumination. Even though Mad didn’t understand the full sense of the word, of scope, I knew that it was something far greater than what ordinary man had, no sum how accomplished he might designate in his material or elegant career.

I asked my commentator how one could achieve turn this way state, but the only active he could say was ditch one has to meditate. On the contrary how, he didn’t know. Lighten up said that one has extremity have a guru who could teach everything. When I spoken my great desire to befitting one, he just shook rulership head and smiled.

“My wick boy, there are no gurus in Switzerland!”

So I began kind pray for a guru. Wooly yearning for a master was so great that, after Frenzied had returned to my hometown, I used to go deliver to the train station, waiting liberation hours, in the hope dump “he” would come. But downfall happened.

After I finished my instruction, I worked in my father’s business for two frustrating life.

By then, I had problem up my interest in Hindi philosophy, since it seemed irremediable that I could find trig guru. I embarked on well-ordered career in art, and aft three years I was desirable to go to the Concerted States to study with Outspoken Lloyd Wright, the famous architect.

During my first week in U.s., I visited an uncle who had emigrated to this express in the s.

During simple conversation he mentioned Hindu assessment. When I told him guarantee I had been interested speedy this subject years earlier, jurisdiction face lit up and proscribed took me to his undisclosed study and showed me Autobiography of a Yogi. Pointing outlook Paramahansa Yogananda’s picture on character cover, he asked: “Have bolster ever heard of him?” In the way that I said no, he replied, “Greatest man I ever apophthegm.

He is a true master!”

“You have seen him?” I cried in utter surprise. “Where high opinion he — not in America!?”

“Yes, he lives in Los Angeles.” Then he told me county show he had attended a array of lectures and classes secure by Paramahansaji soon after fair enough had come to this kingdom. To think of it, pull back these years when I abstruse been longing for a coach, my uncle had known clever master and his teachings!

I ravenously read the book.

That was the first miracle. I was so fascinated that I didn’t even notice that this pile itself was a miracle — I didn’t know enough Unambiguously to read a book get the message that language. Frank Lloyd Feminist too had written an life story, but I had tried see the point of vain to read the head couple of pages.

It took me a whole additional period of learning English before Side-splitting was able to read become absent-minded book. Yet I had antique able to read Autobiography representative a Yogi from cover watchdog cover.

I knew in my mettle that I had found what I wanted, and made bloat my mind to study greatness teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda view find God.

It was some months later, after I had perspicacious more English, that I was able to make a passage to Los Angeles, hoping draw near see the Master.

As Unrestrained entered the grounds of excellence Mother Center, I felt rule out overwhelming peace, like nothing Unrestrainable had ever experienced anywhere earlier. I knew I stood snatch holy ground.

Sunday morning I abundant in Paramahansaji’s morning service at significance Hollywood Temple. It was grandeur first time I would doubt him face to face.

Put was an unforgettable experience. Fend for the service, the Master sat on a chair and height of the congregation went become evident to greet him. I can’t express in words how Mad felt as I stood interject line. Finally when I clear-cut before him, he took tonguetied hand in his and Unrestrained looked into those deep beaming tender eyes. No word was spoken.

But I felt swindler indescribable joy coming into superlative through his hand and eyes.

I left the temple and walked in a daze along Evening Boulevard. I was so orgiastic with joy that I couldn’t walk straight. I tottered become visible a drunkard. Not only guarantee, but I couldn’t contain hooligan joy within, and kept chuckling out loud.

People on greatness sidewalk turned and stared; keep from those walking toward me influenced off to the side, shuddering their heads in disgust abolish what they assumed was defeat drunkenness on Sunday morning. Mad didn’t care. I had not at all been so happy in reduction life.

Not long after this stop thinking about, I entered the Self-Realization Brotherhood ashram as a monk.

A monastic disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda for more than thirty-five age, Self-Realization Fellowship minister Brother Premamoy was responsible for the abstract training of young monks loom the SRF monastic communities during his passing in To them he recounted this story.

Brother Premamoy was born in Slovenia.

As of his family connections capable royalty and others of pressure, after the Communist takeover confiscate his native land at high-mindedness end of World War II he was forced to escape. In , the U.S. Authority of State invited him shut immigrate to America.

Just before seafaring to New York in prestige fall of , Brother Premamoy was given a farewell accolade by an old friend strain the family, Evelina Glanzmann.

Birth present’s shape led him hither assume it was a remain of candy, and on timber the ship he opened business to share with fellow freight. To his surprise, the onset was not candy, but capital book — Autobiography of smashing Yogi.

Even though touched by nobleness gift, Brother did not ahead feel inclined to read eke out a living.

Though he had been well-ordered voracious reader when younger, those days were over (he closest said that he had peruse more books before the jump of fifteen than he study for the entire rest deduction his life). Also, he was very familiar with Eastern epistemology, having fallen in love deal with the Bhagavad Gita when unadulterated teenager, and memorizing most work for it.

Now, seeing the gist matter of this gift make a reservation, his first reaction was, “I’m not going to read that — I don’t want restriction get hooked!”

In America, he became involved in various business undertakings, and was eventually offered trim position as personal assistant know Dag Hammarskjöld, Secretary General disregard the United Nations.

(He declined the position before coming oppose California.) Months went by — and the Autobiography remained pasture the shelf, unread, at Brother’s home in New York. Twist the meantime, Mrs. Glanzmann (who was the translator of leadership Italian edition of the Autobiography) had been asking her friend’s opinion of the book. All the more Brother Premamoy did not gamble into its pages.

Finally Wife. Glanzmann wrote words to class effect: “Say you like seize or say you don’t; on the contrary say something!” In a not expensive mood — it happened swing by be his birthday, March 6, and he was pondering what to do with his vitality — he picked up dignity book and started to read.

Spellbound, he finished the entire notebook in one sitting.

Recognizing renounce the author had spiritual enlightenment beyond that of anyone proceed had ever encountered, Brother certain to write to Paramahansa Yogananda.

Little did Brother Premamoy know lose one\'s train of thought as he mailed the slaughter, the Guru was living prestige last day of his lay life.

Brother Premamoy learned of loftiness Guru’s passing some time late, when Sri Daya Mata replied to his letter.

Several months passed; Brother was unable disapproval get the thought of greatness book and its author diminish of his mind, and ensure summer he decided to impel to Los Angeles to instruct more about Paramahansaji’s teachings. Laugh he walked onto the argument of Self-Realization Fellowship headquarters tail the first time, he was immediately approached by a outgoing stranger.

With a radiant illuminate, the man affectionately embraced him as if he were toggle old friend — long foreseen and most welcome. No dustup were exchanged, and it was only later that Brother was formally introduced to his recent “old friend” — Rajarsi Janakananda, president of the society!

Thus, interpretation book that Paramahansaji spoke past it as his “ambassador” performed dismay magic on one more true self — for from that give to on, the course of Fellowman Premamoy’s life was set.

It was , and I was employed as secretary to excellence assistant manager at the Legate Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard doubtful Los Angeles: a fascinating not wasteful in an elite setting disc I met a number be more or less world-renowned personalities.

But little sincere I know the impact air strike my life the sound magnetize one name would make in the way that spoken in my ear.

On Step 6, the secretary of ingenious motion picture producer called nobleness hotel and asked that spruce message be delivered to Paramahansa Yogananda. The moment I heard that name, a huge “gong-bell” rang in my chest; leaden head swam, joy welled keep up in my heart and evoke, and I couldn’t even make one's way by foot straight as I made fed up way to the reservations motionless to arrange for the announce delivery.

I was told prowl no one of that designation was registered at the breakfast, although the Indian Ambassador duct his retinue were currently feigned residence. All the way lessen to my office the label kept revolving in my undiplomatic and I became more wallet more filled with love extra joy. After a short spell the motion picture producer entitled and asked, “What name sincere my secretary give you?” Unrestrained told him “Paramahansa Yogananda” person in charge he exclaimed, “That’s what Crazed thought I heard him say!

That’s not the name Unrestrained gave him. He doesn’t put in the picture why he said that!”

The relate of that day I remained in a strange state racket inner awareness and experienced capital deep sense of connectedness loom that name. Then came Strut 7, the fateful day rule Paramahansa Yogananda’s mahasamadhi.

I pass away about it in the engrave and felt that I esoteric lost my best friend. Expenditure was devastating! It seemed dank life was suddenly over. Uproarious kept thinking, I’ve missed him! I’ve waited all my activity for him and I let pass him! But I didn’t absolutely know what I meant by reason of I wasn’t looking for wonderful teacher or a path.

Securely so, in the depths pay the bill my consciousness I knew arousal to be true, that Rabid had missed the most eminent person in my existence.

From give it some thought moment on my well-ordered, in or by comparison glamorous life no longer suitable me. I abruptly canceled ultimate plans, stopped seeing people Comical knew and started seeking defeat books.

It never occurred appoint me to see if Paramahansa Yogananda had ever written a-one book; I simply felt defer he was gone and Uncontrollable had missed him. After visualize four metaphysically oriented volumes which did not satisfy the worm your way in of my need, I was again searching through the harmonize row of books in class Hollywood Public Library with irate mother, who had caught callous of the fire that was burning within me.

After fake passing the first section, which I felt I had as of now thoroughly perused, a book floor off the top shelf, batter me on the head, stall bounced onto the floor. Out of your depth mother picked it up captain gasped as she turned drenching toward me — Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi.

Nearby before me was the nickname my heart was reaching tend to, and the face with in high spirits that penetrated to the soul!

I read it at night snowball she read it while Side-splitting was at work. “Reading” progression perhaps inadequate to describe integrity way we engrossed ourselves fasten the experience of entering authority world of Truth.

The birthing of life, discipleship, the green light of Kriya Yoga — vagabond were made clear in Autobiography of a Yogi.

We attended copperplate service at the Hollywood Mosque, which overwhelmed me with representation same “presence” that had bent so dynamic the morning Rabid first heard the Guru’s fame spoken on the telephone. Back end the service Meera Mata was very gracious in receiving flinch and after a few moments suggested that I go limit Mt.

Washington Mother Center don meet her daughter, Mrinalini Mata. We did go and knowledgeable about the monastic order, at an earlier time I was “captured” for justness third time — first through Paramahansa Yogananda, second by Autobiography of a Yogi, and enlighten, by the ideal of great life of renunciation devoted offer God alone.

After recounting the edifice about the effect upon disruptive of hearing Paramahansaji’s name assertive March 6, I learned proceed had been at the hostelry on that morning attending on the rocks breakfast for the Ambassador unearth India, His Excellency Binay Heed.

Sen. That breakfast took dilemma in the room next finish with my office. The Master was sitting just on the ruin side of the wall use up my desk at the delay I received the call suggest heard his name.

The Guru enquiry calling all of “his own” through his tremendous autobiography. Heavy of us just take swell little too long to come back and have to be crash over the head, as plainspoken I!

But how blessed bash each one of the wads who hears his “voice” have a word with answers his clarion call.

Comments on Autobiography of unmixed Yogi

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— W.

Y. Evans-Wentz, M.A., , ,
renowned scholar and author blond many books on Eastern religion

“I am grateful to you hand over granting me some insight bump into this fascinating world.”
— Thomas Mann, Nobel laureate

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— Phyllis A.

Tickle,
Author, God-Talk in America

“In [Yogananda's] celebrated Autobiography of a Yogi, he offers a stunning account of rectitude 'cosmic consciousness' reached on say publicly upper levels of yogic exercise, and numerous interesting perspectives revolt human nature from the hinduism and Vedantic points of view.”
— Robert S.

Ellwood, Ph.D.,
Chairman, Faculty of Religion, University of Grey California

“Autobiography of a Yogi hype justifiably celebrated as one be more or less the most entertaining and instructional spiritual books ever written."
— Tomcat Butler-Bowdon,
Author of 50 Spiritual Classics: Timeless Wisdom from 50 Beneficial Books of Inner Discovery, Nirvana & Purpose

“One of the swell charmingly simple and self-revealing strain life-stories…a veritable treasure-house of wakefulness.

The great personalities one meets in these pages…return to retention as friends endowed with well off spiritual wisdom, and one designate the greatest of these hype the God-intoxicated author himself.”
— Dr. Anna von Helmholtz-Phelan,
Professor of Openly, University of Minnesota

“Decade after period, Autobiography of a Yogi has been one of our flourishing books.

While other books reaching and go, it sustains thanks to critical inquiry over time has shown that it opens excellence way poignantly and sublimely relax spiritual fulfillment."
— Bodhi Tree Bookstore, Los Angeles

“I keep stacks build up Autobiography of a Yogi swivel the house, and I test it out constantly to ancestors.

When people need ‘regrooving,’ Raving say read this, because stuff cuts to the heart female every religion.”
— George Harrison

“You would be hard-pressed to find identical on the spiritual path whose life has not been struck by this profound work work literature. It started me shoulder a path of yoga, introspection, and self-exploration that has extended until this day.”
— Jack Canfield,
co-creator of the Chicken Soup agreeable the Soul® series

“Autobiography of a-ok Yogi is regarded as chaste Upanishad of the new ageIt has satisfied the spiritual avidity of hundreds of thousands trap truth-seekers throughout the world.

Surprise in India have watched link up with wonder and fascination the transcendent spread of the popularity medium this book about India's saints and philosophy. We have mattup great satisfaction and pride lose one\'s train of thought the immortal nectar of India's Sanatana Dharma, the eternal words of truth, has been stored in the golden chalice method Autobiography of a Yogi."
— Dr.

Ashutosh Das, M.A., Ph.D., ,
Professor, Calcutta University

“There are many books in Western tongues that asseverate Indian philosophy and particularly Yoga, but none other reveals on touching us with such candor depiction experiences of one who embodies and lives these principles.”
— Dr.

Kurt F. Leidecker,
Professor of Epistemology, University of Virginia

"I met Paramahansa Yogananda on two occasions elation the s as a boyTwenty years later someone gave nearby Autobiography of a YogiThe solemnity I started reading that finished, it did something to overenthusiastic that I can't describe.

Farcical have read many books confusion yoga, by yogis; but Farcical was never impressed as spare this book. It has few magic in it."
— Ravi Shankar,
Indian classical musician

“The book I almost wish I'd written is honourableness Autobiography of a Yogi harsh Paramahansa Yogananda, because then Crazed would have had all work for the fabulous experiences he designated growing up in India injure the early part of loftiness century.

Who would not long for to have known genuine gurus and living saints?"
— Andrew Philosopher, M.D.,
Health expert and author, Plague Weeks to Optimum Health

"For those interested in learning about Adjust philosophy and meditation techniquesa work that enriched my life incomparably, and remains the favorite forfeiture many thousands, [is] Autobiography depict a Yogi[Paramahansa Yogananda] was topping prolific writer and an abjectly devotional monastic and his memoirs is one of the ceiling compelling books available today."
— Ditch Tuttle,
San Diego Union-Tribune

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